Marykom storms into final

November 21, 2003 21:17 IST

World Championship gold medallist M C Marykom led the way as nine Indian boxers moved into the finals, scoring convincing victories in the semi-final bouts of the Second Asian women's boxing championships at Hisar on Friday.

The hosts' march overshadowed the progress of North Korea, who have eight pugilists in the finals.

In the 45-kg class, Mary Kom lived upto her billing, showcasing her powerful left hooks and straight cuts as she banged her way to victory against L G Chandrika of Sri Lanka.

Though the Lankan girl tried to tighten up her defence, Marykom breached it with skill before the Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) verdict came in the second round.

But India's Kanak Durga lost out in the 46-kg class to Se Yanfurong of China by 37-29.

In the 50-kg semi-final, a flurry of punches by Meena Kumari from the very beginning which landed on the face of Lee Chiman of Chinese Tapie saw the Indian gaining the upperhand and an RSC win following a compulsory count.

In the other semi, Kaa Dil Rukshi of Sri Lanka proved no match to World Championship winner Rijong Hyang of North Korea who outclassed the former in the very first round.